The rate of Americans living with Alzheimer's disease is expected to double by 2060

The study, published Wednesday in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, was the first to focus on race and ethnicity in relation with dementia and its future.

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are "characterized by a decline in memory resulting in a loss of independence," the authors write. According to the National Institute on Aging, symptoms may include memory loss, a decrease in skills such as word search and a reduction in reasoning or judgment. Treatments include "helping people maintain their mental function, manage behavioral symptoms, and slow down certain problems, such as memory loss." This is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

Of the 5 million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related dementias in 2014, the lowest prevalence was in Asia and the Pacific Islands (8.4%) and highest among African Americans (13.8%). Among Hispanics, 12.2% were diagnosed with these conditions, as well as 10.3% of whites and 9.1% of American and Alaskan Indians. More women (13.3%) than men (9.2%) were diagnosed in 2014.

Non-Hispanic whites have the largest number of cases because of the size of the population, but Hispanics face the largest projected increase. Diagnosis among whites is expected to stabilize by 2030, but the number of cases in other populations will continue to increase, according to the study.

To find their projections, the researchers combined the comparative numbers of Alzheimer's and related dementias among Medicare beneficiaries in 2014 with projection data from the US Census Bureau.

The authors also point out that due to the anticipated growth, caregivers of people with dementia will need support and that "culturally competent care for these groups will be of paramount importance". They say that having this workforce will help improve the signs of early recognition of the disease and help them.

"It is important for people who feel that their daily lives are affected by memory loss to discuss these issues with a health care provider.An early assessment and diagnosis is essential to plan their health care needs, including the disease progresses, "said Kevin Matthews, senior author of the study and health geographer at CDC's Population Health Division of the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.